Should I be paying for a relocation package to London?

So you've made the momentous decision to uproot your life from the safety and security of home and head over to London.  The only problem is you don't know a hell of a lot about the place other than it's cold in winter, there are heaps of old buildings and it's on the doorstep of Europe so travel is a breeze.

Yes, that is another 'Keep Calm' poster

There are certain things you'll need in London when you relocate. A bank account, a mobile phone sim card, an NI number to name a few.  If you Google relocating to London, it's likely that you'll find some the first things to pop up will be companies offering soft landing packs to London.  These start from about £35 ranging all the way up to a couple of hundred pounds depending on what services you require.

There's no doubt that you need things like bank account, sim card, National Insurance number etc, but here's the big secret YOU DON'T HAVE TO PAY FOR THEM!

Global can actually provide you with all of these things for free.  Not just that, but we provide genuine assistance with finding you work in the UK.  Many other packages being offered by companies are full of things you don't need.  Things like 3 day gym passes, free entry to a nightclub or the chance to join a pub crawl are all surplus to requirements.  If you're looking for social interaction, Facebook pages like Kiwis in London or Aussies/Ozzies in London can hook you up with all sorts of functions.  If you have a phone and an ear, you can organise your own NI number, you should never pay anyone to do that for you.  Global can hook you up with a referral for a bank account and can give you a Lebara Sim so you have a number before you depart.

We are also the only company with a proven track record of helping professionals find their dream job in London.  Get in touch with us and see how we can help you...for free!

Dry January - Good idea or waste of time?

January is a time for fresh starts, new identities, new habits, a time of regeneration! One thing that is often part of the New Year's resolutions is dry January.  After all the excesses of Christmas (let's be honest, December) a month without alcohol seems like a sensible tactic both on the wallet and on the body.



As someone currently undertaking dry January, I can definitely attest to its effectiveness in keeping me fit and healthy both physically and financially...but Jesus is it boring! Those in London will also know that January is the month of bars bending your rubber elbow with great drink deals!

When the GFC hit back in late 2008, the gloom was broken in January 2009 with the Late Night London venues running 2 for 1 drinks for the month to get people back into the bars.  The deals have been rolling on ever since!

So if you arrive in London and think that dry January will be a breeze, think again.  Avoiding the pub in London at any time is hard enough without the siren like call of cheap drinks and cold weather to escape.

Have you done dry January this year?  If you have, how have you found it?

Ever Thought of Relocating to Edinburgh?

 Relocating to Edinburgh means more than just finding somewhere to live, it is a way of life.  The city is steeped in history and has a wealth of scenic beauty complemented by a spectacular volcanic backdrop. International sporting events like the Commonwealth Games (July 2014) and the Ryder Cup (September 2014) are being held nearby, and seasonal world renowned festivals ensure that there are plenty of things to do. Fantastic sporting facilities and events, outdoor pursuits, excellent shopping and a wide range of pubs and bars, cafes and restaurants reflect Edinburgh’s sociable way of life. 

The range of leisure facilities in Edinburgh is impressive: the world’s largest indoor climbing arena, football and rugby stadiums as well as famous golf courses such as the Old Course in St Andrews and Royal Troon in Ayrshire being only a stone’s throw away. There are riverside trails, waterfront walks, cycle paths and lots of beaches to explore too. For exploration a little further afield, there are low cost flights available from Edinburgh airport to locations all over Europe so it’s perfectly placed for an easy getaway.

 

Edinburgh’s thriving economy and global reputation for cultural excellence make it a desirable place in which to work and live.Edinburgh’s job market represents a mixture of opportunity and job security. Most residents are employed within the city centre, however, work locations are also spread into the wider city region and other Scottish cities such as Glasgow, Aberdeen and Dundee. In comparison with other UK cities such as London, commuter times in Edinburgh are considerably shorter. The cost of living in Edinburgh is significantly lower than London too which makes it particularly attractive to overseas visitors planning to work in the UK. 

Some of the world’s biggest and most respected financial services organisations are based in Edinburgh, which makes for excellent career opportunities within accountancy, finance and business change. Although Edinburgh’s reputation for being a leader within the Financial Services industry is well deserved, there is also an exciting mix of other industry and commerce businesses based within the city or within close proximity.

For more information please get in touch with the Global Career Link team: info@globalcareerlink.com.